Lula defends Vaccari: 'Stay with your comrade'
Former President Lula defended the PT treasurer, João Vaccari Neto, at the party congress in Belo Horizonte; "when in doubt, side with your comrade," he said; this position contrasts with that of other PT members, such as former Rio Grande do Sul governor Tarso Genro, who support an investigation of the treasurer; Lula also stated that he will not "accept the criminalization of private donations to the party" and affirmed that Operation Lava Jato, as well as Criminal Action 470, is a "political, not legal" process; the PT is expected to hold a public demonstration in support of Vaccari at its 35th anniversary celebration.
Minas 247 - Former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defended the PT treasurer, João Vaccari Neto, while participating in the PT congress in Belo Horizonte, which also celebrates the party's 35th anniversary.
"When in doubt, stick with your comrade," said Lula, who on several occasions stated he would vouch for Vaccari.
He also stated that He will not "admit the criminalization of private donations to the party." He also said that, just like in Criminal Action 470, the so-called "mensalão" (monthly allowance scandal), the process "is political, not legal."
Yesterday, Vaccari had to testify in the Lava Jato investigation and was accused by Pedro Barusco, former Petrobras manager, of receiving US$200 million in bribes on behalf of the PT (Workers' Party). According to Lula, Barusco's accusations "have no basis."